The Research into Bryony

Many moons ago, someone presented me with a three-volume book set that explained, through a series of questions and answers, the origins or mechanisms of various things. Often, one of those books found its way into my bed at night, when then lights were supposed to be off. Yet, to this day, I love researching the hows and whys and whats and whos and wheres, all made simpler due to the internet.

To give "Bryony" an authentic feel, I delved into various aspects of Victorian life--customs, culture, cuisine and clothing--and drew upon my previously acquired knowledge of vampire lore. I also studied such things as vampire bats, plants, castles, plumbing, parasites, croquet, dandies, ballrom etiquette, plays, writers, animal breeds, diseases, fishing, and boat safety.

Little by little, I'll share some of what I learned with you, as well as the inspiration behind the characers: their names, their personalities, and how they came to be part of "Bryony." I hope you find it as interesting as I did.